The sunshine is out brightly today and I am loving it!! There is almost nothing better than these mid winter days when the sun pops out and you just know that spring must be right around the corner (contrary to all reality checks of looking at the calendar and seeing that it is just the beginning of February!). And there is a noticeable upswing in everyone's moods as smiles are exchanged and everyone comments that it is SOOOO good to see sunshine. I really don't think we would love it as much if we didn't wait for it through clouds, rain and fog until - finally - sunshine!

When I have out of town guests in the winter, they frequently comment that they understand why there are coffee stands on every corner since it would probably be impossible to make it through the winter here without many and frequent doses of caffeine. And I don't say they are wrong. But I also think that just the knowledge of how good the sun will feel when we have been craving it and it finally comes out makes the wait worth while.

So now I am in full gear of looking at seed packets for sale and planning how much bigger to make the veggie garden this year. And I see the first of the spring bulbs poking up throught the dirt and buds looking fuller on my spring-blooming shrubs. And I can't wait for Farmer's Market to reopen. And I can't wait for the berry season to begin. Yes, I know I am rushing things and need to stay centered in the here and now - but the sunshine is out and I've gotta get out in it!!